TATTOO REMOVAL AFTERCARE
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AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS: TATTOO REMOVAL
Day of Treatment (Day 1)
After your treatment we will have applied an anti inflammatory cream/ gel. This will soothe any inflammation.
Ice: It can be helpful to apply an ice compress to site on and off for the first hour. Alternate the compress on and off every 1-3 minutes as needed. Do Not leave ice on the treated area for more than 5 minutes. Natural aloe vera gel may also be applied. We may have given you a small supply of a potent anti inflammatory ointment. Please apply it to the treated areas in the evening and again the following morning. This helps to settle the inflammation.
Rest: Limit physical activity on day 1. Avoid exercising and any activity that results in perspiring. Avoid hot steamy showers and harsh soaps or cleansers.
Elevate: The treated area should be elevated above the heart when possible. This is especially important for Tattoos on the lower leg, ankle and feet.
Notes: Please note your treatment site may exhibit different tissue reactions after each treatment. The following signs and symptoms are normal after laser treatment.
- The treatment site appears unchanged or appears brighter.
- The area will appear white, pink, or red.
- The treatment site has pinpoint bleeding, blistering or red, yellow, or clear discharge and swelling.
Days after Treatment ( Day 2 onwards)
Ice: Continue to apply ice compresses as noted above only as needed to relieve symptoms.
Moisturize: Apply Vaseline based products, Dermol cream or Aquaphor 3 – 4 times a day for the first 3 days after treatment to promote healing and reduce itching and irritation. Continue to moisturize regularly to keep the site soft and supple.
Avoid: Any over the counter anti-bacterial ointments or creams as they may cause allergy!
Rest and Elevation: Continue to rest and elevate (especially important for Tattoos on the ankle and foot) Limit physical activities such as working out, sports, etc. It may take up to 2 weeks for the treated site to be fully healed.
Activities: You may resume activities unless a blister is present. Avoid swimming or hot tubs until healed.
Blistering: Blistering is normal. Do not pop or prick blisters. Blisters may take 1 – 2 weeks to resolve. You may use a non-stick bandage to protect the blister. If the blister breaks apply Dermol cream and a non- stick bandage. If the blister is painful call the clinic for advice.
Healing: Do not pick or remove scabs or crusts that develop during the healing process. This is a leading cause of infection and can lead to scarring. Healing can take from 5 – 14 days rarely longer. Infections are rare, however if aftercare is not followed they can occur. The signs to look for are foul odour, fever, red streaks from area, yellow-green drainage, and pain. Call the clinic if you suspect an infection or feel feverish.
Before your next Treatment : Apply SPF 50 to tattoo when in direct sun light, avoid spray tanning for 2 weeks before, and shave area day before next treatment.
Book Next Appointment: should be booked in 6 – 12 weeks. It takes the body several weeks to break down the ink so results will not be immediate and every treatment will react differently.